Had enough surprises for one year? Luckily, our friends at DesignMyNight have swooped in to tell us exactly what to expect from October, with the ultimate guide to this month’s best events. Whether you’re determined to celebrate Oktoberfest with an obligatory stein of beer, are searching for the perfect autumn date night or looking to let off some steam with a friendly axe throwing tournament in a Brighton pub (we repeat, friendly), this is the list to live by.  

1. Attend an almighty Oktoberfest bash in a giant beer garden - London

Germany’s famous beer-fuelled festival always gives us a reason to get excited for October, and if you thought social distancing would get between us and this very important annual celebration, you thought wrong. Vauxhall Food & Beer Garden are throwing an Oktoberfest knees-up for the history books at their stunning outdoor venue. A £20 ticket includes entry and a stein of beer to kick off proceedings, along with interactive games, a live Oompah band, authentic German eats and a chance to win a £100 bar tab for the best get-up. 

2. Drink £6 cocktails at London’s coolest bars throughout October - London

For cocktail lovers that spent the months of April through to June missing their favourite bars, now’s your chance to make up for lost time as London Cocktail Week returns for an entire month of discounted drinks. Think of the £15 virtual wristband as the adult equivalent of Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket, giving you exclusive access to signature cocktails across London throughout October, all priced at just £6. Expect to be spoilt for choice at the likes of London’s movie-themed bar in Clapham and the city’s biggest beer garden. 

3. Sip seasonal cocktails at a stunning autumn rooftop pop-up - London

The Ham Yard Hotel’s dreamy rooftop pop-up is the perfect way to get over your post-summer blues. Cosy up with a woollen blanket at this autumnal hideaway, which is usually blocked off from the public, as you sample some expertly made seasonal sips in front of a twinkling view of Soho. A £15 ticket includes entry to this exclusive spot and your first drink. Better yet, purchase a London Cocktail Week wristband to knock the price of your ticket down to just £10. 

4. Consume bottomless drinks at a drag brunch extravaganza - London

Figured a brunch with fabulous drag hosts, bottomless drinks and delicious dishes for just £20 only existed in your wildest dreams? Let us introduce you to Proud Cabaret’s boozy brunch extravaganza. This crazy-affordable event has everything you could want from a midday weekend celebration, from top-notch drag entertainers to endless cocktails and a two-course feast, all coming together inside a grand 1920s-style location to create one helluva party. The recommended attire? Dress to impress, of course. 

5. Test your music knowledge at a rooftop bingo night - London

A travelling bingo event is taking over Brixton’s best-known roof terrace for an evening of light-hearted competition, laughter and plenty of crazy prizes. Forget everything your nan taught you about the timeless game, as Musical Bingo are shaking things up by replacing the numbers with songs. Dive deep into the memory bank as you let your musical knowledge lead you to glory, as you try not to get distracted by the hilarious hosts, confetti showers, circus-themed decor and wild challenges. 

6. Witness the devil getting hitched at this hellish immersive event - London

In a shocking turn of events (can 2020 get more shocking?), you’ve somehow bagged yourself an invite to the devil’s wedding, and it’s set to be one hell-uva party. Take a trip to the underworld with The Vaults’ all-new immersive theatre experience, which will see you channeling your dark side to lie, scheme and cheat your way into the big event. Your sins will then be rewarded with a boozy bash for the ages and bragging rights amongst your fellow demons, before your ascent back to boring old earth. 

7. Get the old-school cinema experience at this quirky drive-in - London

Grab your keys and take a ride back to 1950s America with an old-school cinema experience that will see you social distancing in style (and feeling like you’re in a scene straight out of Grease). The Drive-In will be screening Black Panther for all the Marvel fans out there, all you have to do is pull up, order in the snacks and bevs straight to your car window and enjoy the film with your feet up on the dashboard. 

8. Become an axe throwing pro at this friendly tournament - Brighton

Looking for a fun day out that doubles as a pretty effective stress reliever? You’re in luck, as Brighton’s North Laine Pub hosts amateur axe throwing tournaments for a not-so-casual outing with the crew. You’ll have a runthrough with an expert to get your aim on point, before you’re left to sling solo in a bid to out-throw the competition. Planning to head out in a group of six? Great idea, because they’re offering a ‘buy six get one free’ deal on tickets throughout October. 

9. Explore the ultimate BBQ festival - Birmingham

You won’t find any over-done steaks or dry beef patties at The Bond in Birmingham this October, as seasonal markets are coming in hot with a smokin’ food festival... which will be 100% worth the meat sweats. BBQ Fest is here to show your dad how it’s done, with street food vendors serving up everything from crispy jerk chicken, to juicy and sauce-drenched racks of ribs and brisket burgers. The cocktail caravan will also be pouring prosecco, beer and quirky concoctions to cleanse your palate during your meaty expedition. 

10. Embark on the cheesiest tour of your life - Bristol

Gouda news for Bristol’s dairy-lovers; a weekly guided cheese crawl is being added to the city’s event roster, and we can’t think of a feta way to spend a Saturday afternoon. You’ll be following an expert guide across Bristol’s cheesiest pitstops, munching chunks of the stuff along the way and washing it down with a perfectly paired glass of cider. A trivia quiz will be taking place to separate the dairy devotees from the fromage fraudsters, so make sure to bring your A game (and an empty stomach). 


For more information on things to do in London and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Facebook; @DesignMyNight.